U.S. patent number 5,717,148 [Application Number 08/592,774] was granted by the patent office on 1998-02-10 for analysis instrument having carrier with liquid receiving wells.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Dade International Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Eric Bernstine, Keith Aldan Ely, Timothy Patrick Evers.
United States Patent |
5,717,148 |
Ely , et al. |
February 10, 1998 |
Analysis instrument having carrier with liquid receiving wells
Abstract
An analysis instrument includes a container support (12), a
carrier (24) having a plurality of liquid receiving wells (24W), a
gross probe (40) movable along a locus of action (42) and a fine
probe (50), the fine probe (50) being movable along a locus of
action (52). In addition, various analysis, treatment and/or
handling devices are also disposed at predetermined operating
positions arranged along the loci of action (42, 52). Both the
gross probe 40 and the fine probe 50 are each independently movable
along their respective loci of action 42, 52 among one or more
various extracting position(s) and one or more various dispensing
position(s) to which either the support (12) and/or the carrier
(24) may be moved, and/or among various operating position(s).
Inventors: |
Ely; Keith Aldan (Kennett
Square, PA), Evers; Timothy Patrick (Wilmington, DE),
Bernstine; Robert Eric (Chesapeake City, MD) |
Assignee: |
Dade International Inc.
(Deerfield, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
23055567 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/592,774 |
Filed: |
January 26, 1996 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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276186 |
Dec 1, 1994 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/864.21;
422/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N
35/1083 (20130101); G01N 35/025 (20130101); G01N
35/1004 (20130101); G01N 2035/0441 (20130101); G01N
2035/1076 (20130101); G01N 2035/1086 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01N
35/10 (20060101); G01N 35/02 (20060101); G01N
35/04 (20060101); G01N 035/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;73/864.21,863-865
;422/63,64 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0 252 631 A2 |
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Jan 1988 |
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EP |
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0316766 |
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Nov 1988 |
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EP |
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3839080 |
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Nov 1988 |
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DE |
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Primary Examiner: Williams; Hezron E.
Assistant Examiner: Politzer; Jay L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jordan; Leland K.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/276/186 filed
Jul. 15, 1959, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for extracting liquid from sample liquid containers
and for dispensing liquid to at least two analyzers, the apparatus
comprising:
a support for supporting sample containers, the support having an
axis and being moveable with respect thereto;
a carrier having a plurality of receiving wells formed therein, the
carrier having an axis and being moveable with respect thereto, the
carrier axis and the support axis being displaced apart;
a gross probe moveable along a first locus of action and adapted to
extract sample from the sample containers on said support and
further adapted to dispense liquid into or extract liquid from said
receiving wells;
a first chemical reservoir located along the first locus of action,
the gross probe further adapted to extract liquid therefrom;
a first analysis device disposed along the first locus of action,
the gross probe being further adapted to extract liquid from either
of said sample containers or said receiving wells and dispense
liquid into said first analysis device;
a fine probe moveable along a second locus of action, the fine
probe adapted to extract liquid from the sample containers on said
container support and further adapted to dispense liquid into said
receiving wells;
a second chemical reservoir located along the second locus of
action, the fine probe further adapted to extract liquid therefrom;
and,
a second analysis device disposed along the second locus of action,
the fine probe being further adapted to extract liquid from either
of said sample containers or said receiving wells and dispense
liquid into said second analysis device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gross probe is able to
extract and dispense relatively gross amounts of liquid.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fine probe is able to
extract and dispense relatively finely metered amounts of
liquid.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the gross probe is able to
withdraw liquid from either an open container or a closed
container.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fine probe is able to
withdraw liquid from only an open container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
Subject matter disclosed and claimed herein is disclosed in
copending application of Ely et al. titled Liquid Extraction
Apparatus, filed contemporaneously herewith and accorded Ser. No.
08/516,593.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a chemical analysis instrument,
and in particular, to a chemical analysis instrument wherein both a
gross probe and a fine probe are movable along independent loci of
action among various analysis, treatment and/or other liquid
handling devices.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
In the field of automatic analytical and diagnostic analysis there
is a premium placed on the ability of an instrument to exhibit a
high throughput, that is, the ability to process a relatively large
number of patient samples in a given period of time. Samples which
are non-toxic and non-hazardous are carried in open containers,
such as open test tubes. However, to avoid exposing operators to
contact with potentially hazardous serum and other unsafe
materials, it may be desirable to carry other samples in containers
which are capped, i.e., the top of the container is closed by a
rubber stopper or other suitable cap mechanism. Exemplary of a
closed container is that container sold by Becton-Dickinson
Company, East Rutherford, N.J., under the trademark
Vacutainer.RTM.. Such a container is evacuated to facilitate
aspiration of a whole blood sample from a patient.
It is necessary in the context of automated high throughput
analysis instrument to be able to provide a precise amount of an
extracted sample from either an open or closed container. An open
container presents no obstacle to the withdrawal of a precisely
metered volume of a sample for analysis. Complications are
encountered with the use of an evacuated capped container. One
complication is the need of a relatively more substantial sample
probe to penetrate the rubber stopper. Such a sampling probe may
not be able to meter precisely relatively small amounts of liquid.
A further complication is the difficulty to extract accurately a
predetermined volume of sample due to air pressure within the tube.
The tube may be vented before a sample may be withdrawn.
In addition to being able to sample from both open and closed
tubes, to effectuate high throughput it is imperative that any
pre-analysis treatment of the extracted sample be handled in an
efficient manner. Such pretreatment may include dilution or
stabilization. Thereafter, the sample must be efficiently routed to
the appropriate analysis device(s) for appropriate chemical
analysis. These steps should be performed without the necessity of
any operator intervention and with apparatus having the minimum
necessary mechanical complexity.
In view of the foregoing it is believed advantageous to provide an
analysis instrument having such flexibility of operation as to
permit sample extracted from either capped or open containers to be
dispensed to any one of a plurality of predetermined locations,
including one or more analysis device(s), with or without the
benefit or dilution of other forms of pretreatment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,137 (Mueller) has a puncture tube which first
penetrates the stopper and a sampling probe which is separate from
the puncture tool to extract a liquid sample. U.S. Pat. No.
4,577,514 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,475 (both to Bradley et al.) both
have a puncture tube which first penetrates the stopper and a
separate sampling probe which is movable concentrically within the
puncture tube to extract a liquid sample. U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,512
(Mazza et al.) uses a puncture tube to create an opening in the
closed cap of the container and either takes a sample through this
puncture tube or inserts a separate probe through the puncture tube
to measure properties of the sample.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,756,201 and 5,201,232 (both to Uffenheimer) both
disclose an apparatus that extracts samples from open and closed
containers. However, these apparatus both require that a closed
tube be segregated by an operator and positioned upside-down for
sampling to occur. This renders automation difficult since open
tubes must be positioned apart from and handled differently from
the closed tubes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,216,926 (Lipscomb) provides an apparatus for
sampling from both open and closed containers. The disclosed
apparatus includes a single transfer vessel to contain extracted
samples.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,055 (Wakatake et al.) discloses an open tube
analysis instrument in which three separate pipettes are provided.
One pipette extracts sample from a sample support table and
deposits it in a reaction chamber disposed on a rotatable table.
The other two pipettes dispense reagent into the reaction chamber.
The rotatable table carrying the sample chamber is coaxial with the
sample support table.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An analysis instrument 10 in accordance with the present invention
includes a support (12) for supporting closed or open sample liquid
containers (T.sub.c, T.sub.o), a gross probe (40), a fine probe
(50), and a carrier (24) having a plurality of liquid receiving
wells (24W). The probes (40, 50) are each able either to dispense
or to draw (extract) a volume of liquid sample or other liquid. The
support (12) is movable to dispose any one of the containers
(T.sub.c, T.sub.o) at either a gross probe sample extracting
position (18I, 18E) or at a fine probe sample extracting position
(20I, 20E), while the carrier (24) is movable to dispose any one of
the plurality of liquid receiving wells (24W) therein at either a
gross probe dispensing position (28I, 28E) or a fine probe
operating position (30I, 30E).
The gross probe (40) is movable along a locus of action (42)
between the gross probe sample extracting position (18I, 18E) and
the gross probe dispensing position (28I, 28E). In the gross probe
sample extracting position (18I, 18E) the gross probe (40) is able
to draw thereinto liquid sample from either a closed or an open
container (T.sub.c, T.sub.o) there disposed by the support (12). In
the gross probe dispensing position (28I, 28E) the gross probe is
able to dispense previously withdrawn liquid into a well (24W)
there disposed by the carrier (24).
The fine probe (50) is movable along a locus of action (52) between
a fine probe sample extracting position (20I, 20E) and a fine probe
operating position (30I, 30E). In the fine probe sample extracting
position (20I, 20E) the fine probe (50) is able to draw thereinto
liquid sample from an open container (T.sub.o) there disposed by
the support (12), while in the fine probe operating position (30I,
30E) the fine probe is able either to dispense therefrom previously
withdrawn liquid or to draw thereinto liquid, both from a well
(24W) there disposed by the carrier (24).
An analysis device (56) may be disposed at a second dispensing
position (62) located along the locus of action (42) of the gross
probe (40), while a second analysis device (70) is disposed at a
position (74) located along the locus of action (52) of the fine
probe (50). Additionally, a reservoir (58) holding a sample
treatment liquid may be disposed at a second extracting position
(64) located along the locus of action (42) of the gross probe (40)
and a reservoir (72) holding a sample treatment liquid may be
disposed at a second extracting position (76) located along the
locus of action (52) of the fine probe (50).
In general, the various sample analysis, sample treatment and/or
sample handling devices are arranged so that both the gross probe
(40) and the fine probe (50) are each independently movable along
their respective loci of action (42, 52) among one or more various
extracting position(s), one or more various dispensing position(s),
and/or one or more various operating position(s) (i.e., positions
where either extracting and/or dispensing may occur), thus
imparting a flexibility of operation to the instrument (10) so
configured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be more fully understood from the following
detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying
drawing, which forms part of this application, and in which:
the sole FIGURE is a schematic plan view of a portion of an
analysis instrument in accordance with the present invention
wherein the various sample analysis, sample handling and sample
treatment devices are relatively positioned in a predetermined
arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The FIGURE schematically illustrates a portion of an analysis
instrument, generally indicated by the reference character 10, the
various sample analysis, liquid handling, and sample treatment
devices thereof being relatively positioned with respect to each
other in a predetermined manner in accordance with the invention.
Since the FIGURE is intended as a schematic illustration, details
regarding particular structural details of the instrument, such as
the instrument framework and housing, and the manner in which
various of the devices are interconnected to their associated drive
actuator, and overall operating controller, are omitted. However,
these and other details should be readily apparent to those skilled
in the art, especially in view of commercially available analysis
instruments of the same general type. Exemplary of such
commercially available instruments is the clinical chemistry system
manufactured and sold by the Medical Products Division of E. I. du
Pont de Nemours and Company under the trademark Dimension.RTM..
The instrument 10 includes a sample container support 12 for
supporting closed or open containers, each having a liquid therein.
The liquid may be a sample of a patient's body liquid, a calibrator
liquid, or a chemical reagent liquid. Several of the closed
containers are generally indicated in various slots by the
reference character T.sub.c, while representative open containers
are generally indicated by the reference character T.sub.o. The
container support 12 is preferably implemented in the form of a
generally circular wheel 12. The support 12 may be shaped other
than circularly, if desired. The support 12 is preferably rotatably
movable with respect to an axis 12A. It should be understood that
the support 12 may, alternately, be movable in direction(s) other
than rotatably. For example, the support 12 may be rectilinearly
movable with respect to the axis 12A along one or more directions,
some of which may be mutually perpendicular if desired. The wheel
12 includes an annular, hollowed rim 14 that is generally U-shaped
in cross section bounded by radially inner and outer rails 14R.
A plurality of arcuately shaped sample trays 16 is received by rim
14. Each sample tray 16 is held radially in place by the rails 14R.
Each tray 16 has one or more arcuate rows of sample container
receiving slots, generally indicated by the reference character
16S. Each slot 16S is appropriately sized and configured to receive
either an open container T.sub.o or a closed container T.sub.c
therein. Each row of slots 16S in each segment 16 cooperates with
the corresponding row of slots 16S in the angularly adjacent
segment to define at least one annular array, but more preferably,
both an inner and an outer concentric annular array of slots. The
inner array of slots is indicated by the reference character 16A,
while the outer array of slots is indicated by the character 16B.
It should also be understood that the slots may be otherwise
arrayed, as in a spiral pattern, and remain within the
contemplation of this invention.
The container support 12 is operatively connected to a suitable
actuator (diagrammatically indicated by the reference character
A.sub.s) for effecting the desired movement thereof with respect to
the axis 12A. Suitable for use as the actuator A.sub.s is an
encoded stepper motor driven belt. In general, the support 12 is
movable to dispose any one of the containers received within a slot
16S in the slot array to at least two predetermined sample
extracting positions defined at predetermined spaced locations with
respect to the axis 12A. More particularly, in the context of the
double concentric annular array arrangement of the slots in the
sample container support 12 shown in the FIGURE, rotatable movement
of the support 12 serves to position any container T.sub.c or,
T.sub.o carried in a slot 16S in the inner concentric annular array
16A to at least either a first predetermined inner sample
extracting position 18I or a second predetermined inner sample
extracting position 20I. Similarly, movement of the support 12 by
the actuator A.sub.s serves to position any container T.sub.c or,
T.sub.o carried in a slot 16S in the outer concentric annular array
16B to at least either a first predetermined outer sample
extracting position 18E or a second predetermined outer sample
extracting position 20E. The sample extracting positions 18I, 18E,
respectively, and the sample extracting positions 20I, 20E,
respectively, are angularly offset from each other by predetermined
angular distances.
If desired each tray 16 may have one or more arcuate row(s) of
sample container receiving slots disposed between the radially
inner and outer rows shown in the FIGURE. Such additional arcuate
rows would cooperate to define additional intermediate concentric
annular array(s) of slots. In accordance with this invention a pair
of predetermined sample extracting positions is defined for each
additional annular array. A slot in each additional annular array
may be positioned at either sample extracting position in the pair
by movement of the support 12.
In general, when a container T.sub.c or, T.sub.o in a slot 16S in
any particular annular array (e.g., 16A, 16B) is positioned at
either of the inner sample extracting positions 18I, 20I or at
either of the outer sample extracting positions 18E, 20E
corresponding to that array, the liquid therein is able to be
withdrawn therefrom.
The instrument 10 also includes a carrier 24 having a plurality of
liquid receiving wells 24W therein formed to define at least one
generally annular array 26. However, more preferably, the carrier
24 has at least both an inner and an outer concentric annular array
26A, 26B, respectively, of wells 24W. Each well 24W is sized to
accommodate at least a predetermined liquid volume, and thus
defines a receptacle wherein sample liquid may be handled and
treated. The carrier 24 is operatively connected to a suitable
actuator (diagrammatically indicated by the reference character
A.sub.c, similar to the actuator A.sub.s) whereby the carrier 24 is
movable with respect to an axis 24A. The axis 24A is displaced from
the axis 12A of the container support 12. Preferably the carrier 24
is rotatably moved with respect to the axis 24A. However, as in the
case of the support 12, the carrier 24 may be otherwise movable, as
in one or more rectilinear directions, some of which may be
mutually perpendicular. In general the carrier 24 is movable with
respect to the axis 24A to dispose any of the wells 24W at one or
more predetermined positions. Preferably appropriate rotatable
movement of the carrier 24 with respect to the axis 24A serves to
dispose any one of the wells 24W in each annular array to at least
two predetermined operating positions defined at predetermined
spaced angular locations with respect to the axis 24A. It should
also be noted that the wells 24W may also be otherwise arrayed,
e.g., in a spiral pattern. Although shown as circular in shape in
the FIGURE, it should be understood that the carrier 24 may exhibit
any desired shape.
In connection with the apparatus illustrated in the FIGURE
rotatable movement of the carrier 24 serves to position any well
24W disposed in the inner concentric circular array 26A to at least
either a first predetermined inner operating position 28I or an
angularly offset second predetermined inner operating position 30I.
Similarly, movement of the carrier 24 by the actuator A.sub.c
serves to position any well 24W disposed in the outer concentric
circular array 26B to at least either a first predetermined outer
operating position 28E or an angularly offset second predetermined
outer operating position 30E. If desired the carrier 24 may have
one or more additional annular array(s) of wells disposed between
the radially inner and outer arrays of wells shown in the FIGURE.
At least two predetermined operating positions are defined for a
well in each additional annular array of wells. As will be
developed when a well 24W is disposed at a given operating position
a liquid may be either drawn therefrom (i.e., extracted therefrom)
and/or dispensed thereinto.
The instrument 10 further includes sample handling devices in the
form of a first, gross, probe 40 and a second, fine, probe 50. The
gross probe 40 is operatively connected to an actuator
(diagrammatically indicated by the reference character A.sub.g)
whereby the probe 40 is movable along a predetermined, preferably
circular, locus 42 centered about an axis 40A. The axis 40A is
spaced with respect to the axes 12A and 24A of the support 12 and
the carrier 24, respectively. Again, preferably the actuator
A.sub.g is implemented in the form of a belt driven by an encoded
stepping motor. Similarly, the fine probe 50 is operatively
connected to an actuator (diagrammatically indicated by the
reference character A.sub.f, similar to the actuator A.sub.g)
whereby the probe 50 is movable along a separate predetermined
locus 52. The locus 52 is centered about an, axis 50A that is
spaced with respect to the axes 12A and 24A of the support 12 and
the carrier 24, respectively, and with respect to the axis 40A of
the probe 40. The locus 52 of the fine probe 50 is also preferably
generally circular in form.
The gross probe 40 may be implemented by any suitable liquid
extracting arrangement so long as the probe 40 is able to draw
(i.e., extract) liquid from either a closed or an open tube or
other liquid reservoir or liquid receptacle. To satisfy the needs
of the present invention the gross probe 40 is required only to be
able to control in a relatively gross mariner the volume of liquid
able to be either drawn thereinto or dispensed therefrom. The term
"relatively gross control" should be construed to mean liquid
volume control to the order often microliters. Details of the
preferred form of the liquid extraction apparatus used to implement
the gross probe are disclosed and claimed in above referenced
contemporaneously filed copending application, assigned to the
assignee of this invention. On the other hand, the fine probe 50 is
required to be able to draw or to dispense relatively finely
metered amounts of liquid. The term "relatively finely metered"
should be construed to mean liquid volume control to the order of
tenths of microliters.
The locus 42 of the gross probe 40 contains the first predetermined
inner sample extracting position 18I, the first predetermined outer
sample extracting position 18E, the first predetermined inner
operating position 28I, and the first predetermined outer operating
position 28E. When positioned at either the inner sample extracting
position 18I or the outer sample extracting position 18E the gross
probe is able to draw thereinto liquid sample that is carried
within either a closed container T.sub.c or an open container
T.sub.o that is disposed by the support 12 at that sample
extracting position. Moreover, when positioned at either the inner
operating position 28I or the outer operating position 28E the
gross probe is able either to dispense into the well 24W positioned
at the position 28I, 28E liquid that has been previously drawn into
the probe or to draw into the probe (i.e., extract from the well)
liquid that is present in the well.
The locus 52 of the fine probe 50 contains the first predetermined
inner sample extracting position 20I, the first predetermined outer
sample extracting position 20E, the first predetermined inner
operating position 30I, and the first predetermined outer operating
position 30E. When positioned at either the inner sample extracting
position 20I or the outer sample extracting position 20E the fine
probe 50 is able to draw thereinto liquid sample that is carried
within an open container T.sub.o that is disposed by the support 12
at that sample extracting position. However, when positioned at
either the inner operating position 30I or the outer operating
position 30E the fine probe is able either to dispense into the
well positioned at the position 30I, 30E liquid that has been
previously drawn into the probe or to draw into the fine probe
(i.e., extract from the well) liquid that is present in the
well.
Various other liquid handling, sample analysis and/or sample
treatment functional devices of the analysis instrument 10 may be
positioned about the locus 42 defined by the movement of the gross
probe 42. In the FIGURE three such representative additional
devices 56, 58, 60 are respectively located at predetermined
angular positions 62, 64, 66 along the locus 42. In general, each
of these angular positions 62, 64, 66 defines an operating position
at which the gross probe is able either to dispense liquid or to
extract liquid. Of course, the precise function of the device 56,
58, 60 at each respective angular position 62, 64, 66 will serve to
determine the primary action performed by the probe at a given
location.
For example, the device 56 located at the angular position 62 is,
in the preferred implementation of the instrument 10, an analysis
device of the ion selective electrode (ISE) type. Suitable for use
as the ion selective electrode analysis device is that device
manufactured by the Medical Products division of E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company as sold as part of the clinical chemistry
system identified by the trademark Dimension.RTM.. This analysis
device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,568 issued on Feb. 8,
1994 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The
primary action of the probe 40 at the analysis device 56 is the
dispensation of liquid sample or treated sample from the probe into
the analysis device. Accordingly, the angular location 62 serves to
define a second dispensing position along the locus 42 at which the
probe 40 may dispense liquid.
By way of further example, the device 58 located at the angular
position 64 is, in the preferred implementation of the instrument
10, a liquid reservoir for either a treatment liquid, (e.g., a
diluent liquid solution for diluting a patient sample or a chemical
reagent for chemically treating the patient sample) or a wash
station for cleaning the liquid handling probe. In the former case
(diluent or reagent) the primary action of the probe 50 at the
device 58 is extracting liquid from the reservoir into the probe.
Accordingly, the angular location 62 would serve to define a second
liquid extracting position along the locus 42 at which the probe
may draw a liquid thereinto. Alternatively, in the latter case
(i.e., a wash station) the device 58 disposed in the position 64
may be either a reservoir or a drain, dependent upon the form of
probe wash utilized. If the wash liquid is disposed in a reservoir,
then the primary actions of the probe 50 at the device 58 would
include both dispensing liquid to and extracting liquid from the
reservoir. However, if the wash liquid is pumped into and through
the probe from a source (not shown) then the primary action of the
probe 50 at the device 58 would be the dispensing of liquid into
the drain. Thus at the wash location the probe 50 may either
extract, dispense, or both, as appropriate.
It should be appreciated that if either a diluent or a reagent
liquid solution is disposed in the reservoir 58, then it lies
within the contemplation of the invention to dispose the wash
solution in a second reservoir device 60 which may be disposed at
the angular position 66. Since at a wash position the probe both
dispenses and extracts, the angular position 66 would serve to
define a third extracting position at which the probe 40 draws
liquid thereinto. Furthermore, it should be understood that
additional liquid handling, sample analysis and/or sample treatment
functional devices, such as additional reservoir(s) for other
chemical liquids may also be positioned at additional location(s)
about the locus 42, e.g., a reservoir 58A at an angular position
64A may contain a liquid chemical reagent.
In similar fashion it should be understood that various additional
functional devices of the analysis instrument 10 may be positioned
about the locus 52 defined by the movement of the fine probe 50. In
the FIGURE two such additional devices 70, 72 are respectively
located at respective predetermined angular positions 74, 76 along
the locus 52. In general, each of these angular positions 74, 76
defines an operating position at which the fine probe is able
either to dispense liquid or to extract liquid. Of course, the
precise function of the device 70, 72 at the respective angular
position 74, 76 will serve to determine the primary action
performed by the probe 50 at a given location.
For example, the device 70 located at the angular position 74 is,
in the preferred implementation of the instrument 10, an analysis
device of the photometric type. Suitable for use as the photometric
analysis device is that manufactured and sold by the Medical
Products division of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company as part
of the clinical chemistry system identified by the trademark
Dimension.RTM.. This photometric analysis is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,863,693 issued on Sep. 5, 1989 to G. W. Howell and assigned
to the assignee of the present invention. The primary action of the
probe 50 at the analysis device 70 is the dispensation of liquid
from the probe into the analysis device. Accordingly, with respect
to the fine probe 50, the angular location 74 serves to define a
second dispensing position along the locus 52 at which the probe 50
may dispense liquid.
Further, the device 72 located at the angular position 76 is, in
the preferred implementation of the instrument 10, a liquid
reservoir, primarily for a wash solution. Noting that at a wash
position the probe 50 both dispenses and extracts liquid, the
angular position 76 serves to define a second liquid extracting
position along the locus 52 of the probe 50. In keeping with the
foregoing it should be appreciated that additional devices of
various functionality may be additionally disposed at spaced
angular positions along the locus 52.
In general, the foregoing should also make apparent that however
the various analysis, treatment and/or handling devices are
arranged, in accordance with the present invention both the probe
40 and the probe 50 are each independently movable along their
respective loci of action 42, 52 among one or more various
extracting position(s), one or more various dispensing position(s)
and/or one or more various operating position(s) (i.e., both
extracting and dispensing). The flexibility of operation imparted
to an instrument 10 so configured may be made more clear from the
following operational examples.
EXAMPLES
Three closed containers are positioned in slots 16S1, 16S2 and
16S6, the containers indicated by reference characters T.sub.c1,
T.sub.c2 and T.sub.c6, respectively. Three open containers are
positioned in slots 16S3, 16S4 and 16S5, the containers indicated
by reference characters T.sub.o3, T.sub.o4, T.sub.o5, respectively.
Slots 16S1 and 16S3 are located on the outer concentric circular
array 16B. Slots 16S2 and 16S4 are located on the inner concentric
circular array 16A, respectively. Slots 16S5 and 16S6 are located
on the outer concentric circular array 16B. Various different
analytical tests are to be performed upon the different sample
fluids contained in the different closed and open containers
T.sub.c1, T.sub.c2, T.sub.o3, T.sub.o4, T.sub.o5, and T.sub.o6, as
described below:
Example 1
Analytical Test 1 in which a liquid sample is extracted from a
closed container and provided to two separate analysis devices
without pretreatment.
1. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S1
containing closed container T.sub.c1 at a first predetermined outer
sample extracting position 18E. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined outer sample extracting position 18E and is operated
to extract a first predetermined sample volume from closed
container T.sub.c1. Gross probe 40 is withdrawn from the sample
volume, operated to extract a volume of air and repositioned to
extract a second predetermined sample volume from closed container
T.sub.c1, the volume of air separating the first and second
predetermined sample volumes.
2. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 26W1
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 is disposed into well 24W1. Gross probe 40 is next rotated
by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the second
dispensing position located at angular position 62 along the locus
42 whereat the first predetermined sample volume taken previously
from closed container T.sub.c1 is disposed into an analysis
instrument 56 located at the second dispensing position.
3. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W1 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second
predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 and disposed into well 26W1 by gross probe 40 is extracted
therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to
angular position 74 along the locus 52 whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an analysis device 70
located at the second dispensing position.
Example 2
Analytical test 2 in which liquid sample is extracted from a closed
container and provided to a first analysis device without
pretreatment and is also provided to a second analysis device after
a diluting pretreatment.
1. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S2
containing container T.sub.c2 at the first predetermined inner
sample extracting position 18I. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner sample extracting position 18I and is operated
to extract a first predetermined sample volume from closed
container T.sub.c2. Gross probe 40 is withdrawn from the sample
volume, operated to extract a volume of air and repositioned to
extract a second predetermined sample volume from closed container
T.sub.c2, the volume of air separating the first and second
predetermined sample volumes.
2. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W2
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 is disposed into well 26W2. Gross probe 40 is next rotated
by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the second
dispensing position located at angular position 62 along the locus
42 whereat the first predetermined sample volume taken previously
from closed container T.sub.c1 is disposed into an analysis
instrument 56 located at the second dispensing position.
3. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 66 along the locus 42 whereat a
wash solution is disposed in the second device 60. Gross probe is
operated to extract wash solution thereinto and subsequently to
extract wash solution therefrom, a process that may be repeated
sufficiently to cleanse gross probe 40.
4. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 64 along the locus 42 whereat a
dilution solution is disposed in the device 58. Gross probe 40 is
next operated to extract a predetermined volume of dilution
solution therefrom. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator
A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first predetermined inner
operating position 28I whereat the predetermined volume of dilution
solution taken previously from device 58 is disposed into well
24W2.
5. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W2 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the
second predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed
container T.sub.c2 and the predetermined volume of dilution
solution taken previously from device 58 and also disposed into
well 24W2 is extracted therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by
actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second operating
position 30I whereat the second predetermined sample volume taken
previously from closed container T.sub.c2 and the predetermined
volume of dilution solution taken previously from device 58 and
also disposed into well 24W2 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an
analysis device 70 located at the second dispensing position.
Example 3
Analytical Test 3 in which a liquid sample is extracted from an
open container and provided to two separate analysis instruments
without pretreatment.
1. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S3
containing open container T.sub.o3 at the first predetermined outer
sample extracting position 18E. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined outer sample extracting position 18E. Gross probe 40
is operated to extract a first predetermined sample volume from
open container T.sub.o3, is withdrawn from the liquid sample,
operated to extract a volume of air, and repositioned into the
liquid to extract a second predetermined sample volume from open
container T.sub.o3, the volume of air separating the first and
second predetermined sample volumes.
2. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W3
in the outer concentric annular array of wells 26B at the first
predetermined outer operating position 28E. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined outer operating position 28E whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from open container
T.sub.o3 is disposed into well 24W3. Gross probe 40 is next rotated
by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the second
dispensing position located at angular position 62 along the locus
42 whereat the first predetermined sample volume taken previously
from open container T.sub.o3 is disposed into an analysis
instrument 56 located at the second dispensing position.
3. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W3 in the outer concentric annular array of wells 26B at the
second predetermined outer operating position 30E. Fine probe 50 is
next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the
second predetermined outer operating position 30E whereat the
second predetermined sample volume taken previously from open
container T.sub.o3 and disposed into well 24W3 by gorss probe 40 is
extracted therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator
A.sub.f to angular position 74 along the locus 52 whereat the
second predetermined sample volume taken previously from open
container T.sub.o3 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an analysis
device 70 located at the second dispensing position.
Example 4
Analytical Test 4 in which a liquid sample is extracted from a
closed container and provided to a first analysis device after
pretreatment and is also provided to a second analysis device
before and after a diluting pretreatment.
1. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S6
containing closed container T.sub.c6 at the first predetermined
outer sample extracting position 18E. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined sample outer extracting position 18E. Gross probe 40
is operated to extract a first predetermined sample volume from
closed container T.sub.c6, is withdrawn from the sample liquid
operated to extract a first volume of air and repositioned into the
sample liquid to extract a second predetermined sample volume from
closed container T.sub.c6, operated to extract a second volume of
air and repositioned to extract a third predetermined sample volume
from closed container T.sub.c6, the first and second volumes of air
separating the first, second and third predetermined sample
volumes.
2. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W6
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the third
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c6 is disposed into well 24W6.
3. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W7
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c6 is disposed into well 24W7.
4. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W4
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the first
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c6 is disposed into well 24W4.
5. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 66 along the locus 42 whereat a
wash solution is disposed in the second device 60. Gross probe 40
is operated to extract wash solution thereinto and subsequently to
extract wash solution therefrom, a process that may be repeated
sufficiently to cleanse gross probe 40.
6. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 64 along the locus 42 whereat a
dilution solution is disposed in the device 58. Gross probe is next
operated to extract a predetermined volume of dilution solution
therefrom. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to
position gross probe 40 at the first predetermined inner operating
position 28I whereat a first predetermined portion of dilution
solution taken previously from device 58 is disposed into well 24W6
and whereat a second predetermined portion of dilution solution
taken previously from device 58 is disposed into well 24W4.
7. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W6 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the third
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c6 and disposed into well 24W6 by gross probe 40 is extracted
therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to
angular position 74 along the locus 52 whereat the third
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c6 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an analysis device 70
located at the second dispensing position.
8. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position
fine probe 50 at angular position 76 along the locus 52 whereat a
wash solution is disposed in an additional device 72. Fine probe is
operated to extract wash solution thereinto and subsequently to
extract wash solution therefrom, a process that may be repeated
sufficiently to cleanse fine probe 50.
9. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W7 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the
second predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed
container T.sub.c6 and the predetermined volume of dilution
solution taken previously from device 58 and also disposed into
well 24W7 is extracted therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by
actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second dispensing
position whereat the second predetermined sample volume taken
previously from closed container T.sub.c6 and the predetermined
volume of dilution solution take previously from device 58 and also
disposed into well 24W7 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an
analysis device 70 located at the second dispensing position.
10. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W4 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
first predetermined inner operating position 30I. Gross probe 40 is
next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the
first predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the
predetermined portion of dilution solution taken previously from
device 58 is disposed into well 24W4 and whereat the second
predetermined portion of dilution solution taken previously from
device 58 is disposed into well 24W4 are extracted therefrom. Gross
probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross
probe 40 at the second dispensing position located at angular
position 62 along the locus 42 whereat the first predetermined
sample volume taken previously from closed container T.sub.c6 and
the second predetermined portion of dilution solution taken
previously from device 58 are dispensed.
Example 5
Analytical Test 5 in which a first liquid sample is extracted from
an open container and provided directly to a first analysis device
without pretreatment and in which a second liquid sample is
extracted from an open container and provided directly to a second
analysis device without pretreatment.
1. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S4
containing open container T.sub.o4 at the first predetermined inner
sample extracting position 18I. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner extracting position 18I. Gross probe 40 is
operated to extract a first predetermined sample volume from open
container T.sub.o4.
2. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at the second dispensing position located at angular
position 62 along the locus 42 whereat the first predetermined
sample volume taken previously from open container T.sub.o4 is
disposed into an analysis instrument 56 located at the second
dispensing position.
3. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S4
containing open container T.sub.o4 at the second predetermined
inner sample extracting position 20I. Fine probe 50 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second
predetermined inner sample extracting position 20I and is operated
to extract a second predetermined sample volume from open container
T.sub.o4. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to
position fine probe 50 at the second predetermined dispensing
position whereat the second predetermined sample volume previously
taken from open container T.sub.o4 is disposed by fine probe 50
into an analysis device 70 located at the second dispensing
position.
Example 6
Analytical Test 6 in which liquid samples extracted from closed and
open containers are provided to an analysis device(s) in a
different sequence than that in which they were extracted from the
containers without pretreatment.
1. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S1
containing closed container T.sub.c1 at a first predetermined outer
sample extracting position 18E. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined outer sample extracting position 18E and is operated
to extract a first predetermined sample volume from closed
container T.sub.c1.
2. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W1
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the first
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 is disposed into well 24W1.
3. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S2
containing closed container T.sub.c2 at a first predetermined inner
sample extracting position 18I. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner extracting position 18I and is operated to
extract a second predetermined sample volume from closed container
T.sub.c2.
4. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W2
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the
second predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the
second predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed
container T.sub.c2 is disposed into well 24W2.
5. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S3
containing open container T.sub.o3 at a first predetermined outer
sample extracting position 18E. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined outer sample extracting position 18E and is operated
to extract a third predetermined sample volume from open container
T.sub.o3.
6. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W3
in the outer concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined outer operating position 28E. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined outer operating position 28E whereat the third
predetermined sample volume taken previously from open container
T.sub.o3 is disposed into well 24W3.
7. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S4
containing open container T.sub.o4 at a first predetermined inner
sample extracting position 18I. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner extracting position 18I and is operated to
extract a fourth predetermined sample volume from open container
T.sub.o4.
8. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W4
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 24A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the fourth
predetermined sample volume taken previously from open container
T.sub.o4 is disposed into well 24W4.
9. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W2 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second
predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c2 and disposed into well 24W2 by gross probe 40 is extracted
therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to
angular position 74 along the locus 52 whereat the second
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c2 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an analysis device 70
located at the second dispensing position.
10. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W4 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second
predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the first
predetermined sample volume taken previously from open container
T.sub.o4 and disposed into well 24W4 by gross probe 40 is extracted
therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to
angular position 74 along the locus 52 whereat the fourth
predetermined sample volume taken previously from open container
T.sub.o4 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an analysis device 70
located at the second dispensing position.
11. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W1 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second
predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the first
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 and disposed into well 24W1 by gross probe 40 is extracted
therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to
angular position 74 along the locus 52 whereat the first
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an analysis device 70
located at the second dispensing position.
12. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W3 in the outer concentric annular array of wells 26B at the
second predetermined outer operating position 30E. Fine probe 50 is
rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second
predetermined outer operating position 30E whereat the third
predetermined sample volume taken previously from open container
T.sub.o3 and disposed into well 24W3 by gross probe 40 is extracted
therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to
angular position 74 along the locus 52 whereat the third
predetermined sample volume taken previously from open container
T.sub.o3 is disposed by fine probe 50 into an analysis device 70
located at the second dispensing position.
Example 7
Analytical Test 7 in which a liquid sample is extracted from a
closed container and provided to a second analysis device after a
diluting pretreatment and after a chemical reagent
pretreatment.
1. Support 12 is rotated by actuator A.sub.s to position slot 16S2
containing closed container T.sub.c2 at the first predetermined
inner sample extracting position 18I. Gross probe 40 is rotated by
actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner sample extracting position 18I and is operated
to extract a first predetermined sample volume from closed
container T.sub.c2.
2. Carrier 24 is rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well 24W2
in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I. Gross probe 40 is next
rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the first
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c1 is disposed into well 24W2.
3. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 66 along the locus 42 whereat a
wash solution is disposed in the second device 60. Gross probe 40
is operated to extract wash solution thereinto and subsequently to
extract wash solution therefrom, a process that may be repeated
sufficiently to cleanse gross probe 40.
4. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 64 along the locus 42 whereat a
dilution solution is disposed in the device 58. Gross probe 40 is
next operated to extract a predetermined volume of dilution
solution therefrom. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator
A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first predetermined inner
operating position 28I whereat the predetermined volume of dilution
solution taken previously from device 58 is disposed into well
26W2.
5. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by acutator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 66 along the locus 42 whereat a
wash solution is disposed in the second device 60. Gross probe 40
is operated to extract wash solution thereinto and subsequently to
extract wash solution therefrom, a process that may be repeated
sufficiently to cleanse gross probe 40.
6. Gross probe 40 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.g to position
gross probe 40 at angular position 64A along the locus 42 whereat a
chemical reagent solution is disposed in the device 58A. Gross
probe is next operated to extract a predetermined volume of
chemical reagent solution therefrom. Gross probe 40 is next rotated
by actuator A.sub.g to position gross probe 40 at the first
predetermined inner operating position 28I whereat the
predetermined volume of chemical reagent taken previously from
device 58A is disposed into well 24W2. At this point, if desired, a
predetermined period of time may be allowed to elapse before the
following step 7 is enacted.
7. Carrier 24 is next rotated by actuator A.sub.c to position well
24W2 in the inner concentric annular array of wells 26A at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I. Fine probe 50 is
next rotated by actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the
second predetermined inner operating position 30I whereat the first
predetermined sample volume taken previously from closed container
T.sub.c2 and the predetermined volume of dilution solution taken
previously from device 58 and the predetermined volume of chemical
reagent taken previously from device 58A and also disposed into
well 24W2 is extracted therefrom. Fine probe 50 is next rotated by
actuator A.sub.f to position fine probe 50 at the second dispensing
position 74 whereat the first predetermined sample volume taken
previously from closed container T.sub.c2 and the predetermined
volume of dilution solution taken previously from device 58 and the
predetermined volume of chemical reagent taken previously from
device 58A and also disposed into well 24W2 is disposed by fine
probe 50 into an analysis device 70 located at the second
dispensing position.
Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of
the present invention may effect numerous modifications thereo.
Such modifications are to be construed as lying within the
contemplation of the present invention, as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *